LOCAL SYNAGOGUE - September 2009

LOCAL SYNAGOGUE

By Alison Solomon

After two years of bringing in guest Rabbis to conduct High Holiday services, this year the Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation will be running everything themselves. “As our community has grown, we have become a magnet for Jews who want to live in Mexico but don’t want to lose their Jewish connection. As a result, we now have several knowledgeable folks here who can manage all aspects of our community rituals,” says Elliott Gould, LCJC President.

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, begins on Friday September 18^th. There will be a full schedule of services on the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th. Yom Kippur will begin on the evening of September 27^th. As is customary with all temples and synagogues, attendees will need to either be members or purchase guest tickets in advance to attend. The amount folks pay for an annual membership at LCJC works out to 50 pesos a week, which local churchgoers say is the amount they generally put in the weekly collection baskets.

Services this year will be facilitated by Alison Solomon, with participation by many other members. Since attendees come from a variety of backgrounds, Alison attempts to accommodate both those with a traditional leaning as well as those who prefer a more contemporary style. www.lakechapalajews.com.